Like humans, cats often experience health changes as a result of aging. Cats are so cute, cuddly and innocent that they often seem like babies forever. However, even felines are not exempt from the natural aging process. If you notice your sweet senior cat throwing up frequently, his age very likely has something to do with it. Diet Adjustment With aging, it is typical for felines to experience metabolic differences from their younger years, most of which are completely normal. If you are concerned about your cat's vomiting, it may be as simple as his body calling out for a different diet. Speak to his veterinarian about planning a healthy and nutritious new diet to accommodate his age -- think more protein and less fat, perhaps. Big Meals When a cat grows older, his digestive system often becomes more delicate. Because of that, his body may be able to better manage many small meals a day, rather than a big feast or two. If you offer your precious pet too much food at a single time, his stomach may simply not be able to handle it, leading to him throwing up -- and to discomfort for all of you.

After all, poor kitty will feel under the weather, and you'll be the one who has to clean up the mess! Health Concerns In some cases, throwing up in an older cat is not necessarily directly related to his age. It could also be a sign of a medical condition. Vomiting is a symptom for many different ailments in felines, including parasites, gastritis, heartworms, intestinal worms, liver or kidney failure, infections and pancreatitis. Best Cat Breeds To Be Left AloneTo be on the safe side, seek immediate medical attention for your dear cat. Bathtub Faucet With Hand Shower Deck MountedIf the condition is a serious one, the sooner you get help for it, the better you may be able to manage it for him. Laptops On Layaway At Kmart

How You Can Handle It If your elderly cat's vomiting is simply due to a weaker stomach, you can help him handle his uncomfortable symptoms and get back to feeling good as new. Manage his fragile stomach by keeping him away from liquids and meals for roughly half a day. Once you begin feeding him again, offer him bland items that will nurse him back to health -- think rice and cooked chicken. Rapid Eating Always observe your senior cat's eating patterns. If you notice that he eats too rapidly, it could be the prime culprit behind his vomiting ways. In these situations, help your cat eat slower by serving him small amounts of food at a time. References Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Special Needs of the Senior CatASPCA: AgingASPCA: Vomiting Photo Credits Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images MORE MUST-CLICKS: What Medication Treats Roundworm in Kittens & Cats? Things Cats Can't Eat Dehydrated Gums in Cats Calming Aromatherapy for Cats How Old Does a Cat Have to Be to Have a Kitten?

Do Cats Get Gray Hair? Do Cats Try to Hide When They Are Dying? Urethral Blockage in Cats Long-Term Pain Management for Cats Kittens That Are Weaned Too EarlyVomiting is characterized by the contents of the stomach being ejected. Chronic vomiting, meanwhile, is marked by the long duration or frequent recurrence of said vomiting. Diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract are the primary cause for this type of vomiting. Secondary implications are diseases of other organs, which bring about an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood, stimulating the vomiting center in the cat's brain. Severe complications can occur when a cat is not getting the nutrients it needs, or when food is inhaled into the airways, which can lead to coughing, and even pneumonia. Chronic vomiting can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs please visit this page in the petMD pet health library. Symptoms of vomiting include heaving, retching, and the expulsion of partially digested food.

The contents being expelled by the cat may be in predigested form, tubular in shape, and often covered with a slimy mucus or bile. A symptom that may be indicative of a more serious condition is blood in the vomit, which can signal an ulcer or cancer. The biggest problem with determining the cause of vomiting, and devising a treatment plan, is that there are so many possibilities. Some of the possible causes for chronic vomiting include: There are so many possibilities for this condition that determining a cause for chronic vomiting may take some time. You will need to cooperate with your veterinarian in trying to pinpoint if there is anything related to your cat’s background or habits that might account for it. Your veterinarian will begin by determining whether your cat is actually vomiting or just regurgitating (i.e., whether it is based in the stomach, or not). You will want to pay close attention to the pattern of your cat's vomiting so you can give a thorough description of the symptoms, as well as how soon after eating the vomiting occurs.

Your veterinarian will ask you to describe the appearance of the vomit, and what your cat looks like when it vomits. If your cat is retching, and heaving from the belly, it is probably vomiting. The food that is in the vomit will be partially digested and somewhat liquid. A yellow fluid called bile will normally be present along with the expelled stomach contents. If the cat is regurgitating, it will lower its head and the food will be expelled without a lot of effort. The food will be undigested and probably will be tubular in shape, more often solid and covered with slimy mucus than not. Your cat may try to re-eat the regurgitated food. It is a good idea to keep a sample of the expelled content, so that when you take your cat to see the veterinarian, an examination can be made to determine whether the material is vomit or regurgitation, and what might be present in the contents. Your veterinarian will need to know about your cat’s activities, habits, and surrounding environment, as well as what medicines your pet may be taking.